This is the shocking moment an uprooted tree toppled onto a motorcycle rider during a storm in Thailand.

CCTV footage shows the tree being battered by driving rain and blown over by strong winds - just as the man on a Honda Wave scooter was approaching in Prachinburi province on March 25.

The driver, 33, was unable to brake in time but miraculously survived the crash. He was rushed to a hospital by rescuers.

Police Senior Sergeant Major Sanya Khanto, a highway police officer, said: 'When we arrived at the crash site, we found that the motorbike was still stuck to the tree. A tow truck was contacted to remove it. Police also set up warning lights at the scene to prevent repeat accidents on the wet road.'

The obstruction had caused a two-kilometre traffic build-up as the tree obstructed two lanes on the highway.

An onlooker named Sra, 56, who owns a nearby noodle shop, said there was a powerful storm lashing the area just before the accident.

He said: 'I thought the rider did not survive because he was hit by the tree. I was relieved to see rescuers giving him first aid. He had abrasions all over his body, but he was alive. This is the first time I've seen such an accident happen here.'

Thailand and neighbouring countries in Southeast Asia are entering their annual monsoon rainy season which sees soaring temperatures followed by powerful rain storms in the afternoon leading to widespread flash floods.

The Thai Meteorological Department (TMD) on Wednesday predicted 10 days of unsettled weather, starting with thunderstorms until Good Friday, March 29, followed by a severe heatwave that could see temperatures soar to a scorching 43 degrees Celsius.